One of the good things about living and listening in St. Louis right now is that there’s always one (okay, many) quality local acts that you’ve yet to discover. Recently, Brian McClelland of Blip Blap Video — and Middle Class Fashion…and Tight Pants Syndrome…and Whoa Thunder…and more… — bent my ear about a project he worked on with Rulers, the name given to Brian Wiegert’s solo psych rock outfit.

A hearty sampling of Wiegert’s previous work is up on his Bandcamp page. You also might recognize him as a part of South City stalwarts Red Headed Strangers or pop rock group Picture Day.

IWTAS is proud to premier Rulers’ video for “The Perks”, a sprightly little jammer off Wiegert’s upcoming double album release, Rulers II. The concept is sunny and a little silly, perfect for the spring weather we’re surely going to fall into soon.

The impetus for the creation of Rulers II was organic enough. When Brian and his wife found out they were pregnant with a wee Wiegert in early 2012, he wanted to record as many of the song he had written and had ready to go as a part of the family’s preparations, knowing that free time to play music would be limited once the baby arrived.

The double album, additionally titled Rulers in Paradise/Rulers in Blood, doesn’t shy away from almost any genre. Fans will hear everything from piano pop to speed metal, says Wiegert.

Rulers’ fearlessness should certainly make for a dynamic and worthwhile release show, which Wiegert is putting on at Plush this Saturday, April 16th. Support is being provided by Kevin Buckley’s always excellent Grace Basement and Patrick Eagan of Royal Smokestacks and our beloved, semi-defunct Monads. Show details for the Plush release are as follows:

Double Album Release Party/One-time Only Live Performance by RULERS
Doors: 8p
Pat Eagan: 9p
Grace Basement: 10p
Rulers: 11p
$7, Ages 18+